ECU AD search to remain open

GREENVILLE, NC   (May 17, 2004)   —   Incoming Chancellor Steve Ballard said today (May 17) that he will keep the athletics director search open while he continues to gather input on the selection from members of the East Carolina University family.

“This is obviously a critical decision,” said Ballard, who has made several trips to Greenville, and who will officially assume office May 31.

“I have interviewed a number of people and studied exhaustive reports on ECU athletics,” he said. “But I need time for all university constituencies to have input on this appointment, and the search will remain open until that process is completed. Meanwhile, I will continue to evaluate candidates.”

Ballard earlier had set a target of May 19 for naming a new AD to succeed Mike Hamrick, who left ECU last August for a similar position with the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.

“I appreciate the input I have received so far,” Ballard said. “I recognize the great interest, commitment and passion for Pirate athletics. Although I am new to ECU, I share this passion, and I am committed to excellence in our programs.”

A telephone conference call meeting of the ECU Board of Trustees, scheduled for Wednesday in connection with the search, has been canceled.